Bill > HB2770

This bill establishes the Oregon Disaster Recovery Authority (ODRA), a new advisory group within the Governor's Office designed to enhance emergency management capabilities. The authority will consist of at least eight members appointed by the Governor, including state agency leaders, local emergency managers, and emergency management experts. When activated during a state of emergency, the ODRA will coordinate crisis services, recovery and mitigation efforts (using Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) emergency support function frameworks), and provide emergency funding and aid to local governments and private entities. The bill also grants the Governor expanded hiring powers during emergencies, allowing for the recruitment of additional state personnel to perform emergency-related tasks through flexible hiring processes. These temporary personnel can be placed in various state agencies, will focus on emergency duties, and must have their employment terminated when the authority is deactivated. To support these emergency staffing needs, the bill creates an Emergency Personnel Fund in the State Treasury, which can be used to compensate these additional personnel. Importantly, ODRA members will serve as volunteers without compensation, and the authority can meet both during and between emergencies to maintain readiness.

Military Affairs and Security

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB2770